that the finding of the Grail was made possible. That the finder was
to be known as Galahad the Chaste. Pure and upright must the seeker be
and up to now there is none other among you who so well fills this
requirement. He who left here as Allan, page to Sir Percival,
returns, fitted and grown to the task. He shall henceward be known as
Galahad. And it please you sire, make you him a knight of the Round
Table. So that if he do find the Grail, honor and glory shall be with
you, too."

Wondered the boy yet, but at word from the king he came forward and
knelt.

"We dub you knight, Allan. You shall be known as Sir Galahad. Fruitful
may your mission be. We know that knighthood shall not suffer through
you."

A little apart, Sir Launcelot watched the boy. And though the newly
made knight knew it not, the former had watched him through the many
days he had been away from the court, had never been very far, yet
never so near that the young adventurer knew it. Most keen and
watchful had he been to see that the lad kept on the clean road ahead.
And of a truth he had noted, with a restful content, that such was the
boy's inclination and desires. Yet he kept apart even as he watched
and in all the years had not come face to face with the boy.




CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE